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What was the general mood of the post-war 1950's? Question: How and why did the economy prosper in the post-war 1950's? Answer:The U.S. economy enjoyed one of its most prosperous decades in the 1950's, despite the billions spent on the Korean War and the Cold War. The purchasing power of most americans was at an all-time high. The 1950's saw no demand for tariff increases. For most of the decade, U.S. business was not greatly concerned about the threat from imports since neither Japan nor Western Europe, both recovering from the devastation of the war, were yet in a position to challenge America's industrial supremacy. The United States took its first step toward becoming the world's free-trade leader. President Truman due to the Korean War, wanted to build the American Army/weapons of the army. That military spending was funded for the first time almost entirely on tax revenues. Truman's Fiscal policy was an outstanding success. The Korean War entailed shifting large amounts of personnel and materials from peace time employment into wartime production. Question:What is the "baby boom"? What factors contributed to the "baby boom"? Answer:Young males returning to the United States, Canada, and Australia following tours of duty overseas during World War II began families, which brought about a significant number of new children into the world. This dramatic increase in the number of births from 1946, to 1964 (1947 to 1966 in Canada and 1946 to 1961 in Australia) is called the Baby Boom. People felt more confident in giving birth after the war because the world was at peace and the economy was much better, so they could afford the expenses. In the U.S., approximately 79 babies were born during the Baby Boom. Question:How and why did the suburbs grow in the 1950's?(Levittown) Answer:The trend began briefly in the 19th century and became popular after World War II. More people wanted to get away from the fast, loud, pace of the city. As more people started moving to the suburbs, feries and cars started transporting people to and from the city. People also liked the idea of having fresh air, space, and neighbors who you would see on a daily basis. Question:How did cars become more important to American Life? Answer:Satirist and novelist John Keats, declared, in 1957, "Detroit believes, and operates on the theory that Americans dont buy automobiles, but instead buy dreams of sex, speed, power, and wealth". By the 1950's, the American car was not merely a means of transportation for the American Consumer, but an extension of a persons personality and style. After World War II, with the prosperity of the U.S., the automobile industry exploded with demand for a new car. Over 6,665,80 cars were sold in 1950. By 1959, approximately 75 million cars were on the road. The car industry became the largest industry in the U.S., and influenced so many. Question:How did the popularity of Television influence Americans? Answer:After the horrible effect of the Second World War, the post-war economy was booming around the world. According to surveys, approximately 3.1 million people had enjoyed television in America in the fifties. Radio, cinema and print media were already there to entertain and to connect people. However, with the advent of television, popularity of radio and print media faded away, as television has both the effects: sound as well picture. Question:How did JFK win the election of 1960? Answer:The election of 1960 was between the Republican Nixon and the Democrat JFK. In the primary election in overwhelmingly protestant West Virginia, Kennedy convinced his voters that his religion would not affect his conduct of the presidency, He enjoyed the support of FDR Jr., a living reminder of a president held deep in the affections of the people of his once Depression ridden state. In a time not of widespread suffering but of discontent with a sluggish economy and a frustating cold war, kennedy presented himself in 1960 as the candidate of change and growth. This fitted the liberal temper of the moment. In a series of television debates with president Nixon, Kennedy appeared strong and confident against an opponent to whom TV cameras were not flattering. In the South, he gained from the more populist campaigning of his vice presidential partner, Senator Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas. Kennedys religion may have hurt him slightly in the total popular vote, in which he edged ahead of Nixon, but it apparently helped him in some important industrial states: and he won an Electoral College majority. Question:Why was television important in winning the Nixon vs. JFK election? Answer:The 1960's first decade to experience television as a mass medium in the sense that it had been one ever since. For both information and entertainment TV was now part of the landscape. Most American households owned a black-and-white TV set. Starting with the first ever-televised presidential debate on 1960, John F. Kennedy and RIchard Nixon demonstrated that a candidates success would become at least in part in function of his ability to come across well on television.The 1960 presidential campaign was memorable for an unprecedented series of four debates between the two candidates over all major television and radio networks at prime viewing time in late September and October. To the surprise of both his advisors and his adversaries, a confident Nixon accepted Kennedy's challenge. Thus, the largest television audience in American History up to then-estimated at 70 million adults- watched the candidates confront eachother. Although Nixon performed well rhetorically, Kennedy managed to portray an appealing image of youthfullness, energy, and physical poise, which convinced many that he had won the debates. Kennedy, rested and well briefed, seemed forceful and at ease in answering questions by a panel of newsmen. NIxon looked pale and tired and seemed hesitant and defensive. In retrospect it seems that Nixon never recovered from the negative effects of the first debate,in which Kennedy's articulate presentation succeeded in elevating him to vice presidents level-and this even matching in the popular imagination was for Kennedy a major victory. Question: Discuss the popularity of rock music (and singers like Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Elvis. Answer:Chuck Berry: Chuck Berry's music has transcended generations. Tunes like "The Twist", "Johnny B. Goode", "Maybeline", and "Memphis" are some of the nost easily recognizable rock and roll songs of the century, and have become anthems to American youth and popular culture. By the 1950's, american artists expressed their emotions through music. They adapted their lyrics to be played for the national audience, who readily accepted those new songs to American pop-culture. An example of this is Chuck Berry's who are still well known today. Known as "The Father of Rock and Roll", his leggendary songs reflect the loosening mood of the American youth anbd their desire to find new expressions of song and dance.Elvis Presley :Elvis reached the top of the country charts with "Mystery Train" in 1955. His first number one song on the so-called "Hot 100" was "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), which held its position for seven of the 27 weeks it was on the chart. The rest of the 1950s brought Elvis "living legend" status with records that included "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", "Blue Suede Shoes", "Love Me Tender", "All Shook Up" , and "Jailhouse Rock"He was universally proclaimed the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" and led the new music from its beginnings in the 1950s to its latest in the 1960s. His impact on American popular culture was second to none, as he seemed to affect manner of dress, hairstyles, and even behavior. Ultimately he had the most records to make the rating charts and was the top recording artist for two straight decades, the 1950s and the 1960s. This picture is a picture of what a hospital during the time of the baby boom looked like. This picture shows a block in Levittown. (Notice the spaced out houses). This car is an example of what automobiles primarily looked like in the 1950's. This picture shows what the first Television set looked like. These two pictures are pictures of famous 1950's artists, Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. This video shows a debate between JFK and Nixon. The 1950's